$600 Budget for New Graphic Work Build, Suggestions?

[nightsky]

Am planning a new build specifically for graphics work, (Not for Gaming)... Need suggestions and user reviews for mobo, cpu, video card, and case suggestions. $600 - budget for entire build.

[Cricket]

AMD or INTEL?

Does the $600 include the operating system, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers? If it does I don't think you'll be able to get a separate video card...you'll have to get a motherboard with on-board video instead.

Cricket

[glc]

This ties back to a thread in the processors forum. I believe we can get by with no peripherals if a KVM switch is used, and we are looking at a entry level Core 2 Duo build.

Case - Antec Sonata II
Motherboard - Asus P5LD2 R2.0
Processor - E4300
Ram - 2gb Corsair VS 667
Hard drive - 250gb Seagate 7200.10
Optical - Lite-On retail DVD burner
Video card - entry level PCI-E with discrete memory - ATI X300SE?

This is just under $600, add a 2 system KVM switch.

[nightsky]

lol, Cricket??? No the $600 does not include monitor I wish... I'd like one of those Intel Core2Duo E6600 jobs, its suposed to run cool, but guess I don't need it? Thanks GLC, what is a 2 KVM switch? If you like, a link to read up on KVM switch is ok. Wish the SonataII were aluminaum or looked more like the lanbouy. Love those side opened 3.5 bays.

[glc]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817107702

If you want to add $100 to the budget, then get a E6600.

You can get a different case if you want, just get a good power supply to go with it.

[Jester]

I know that this is horrible advice, but if you are doing a graphical machine dealing with CAD, GIS, Photoshop, and programs of that nature you really should save your money so that you can get some good parts for it. A slightly bigger budget will get you a better machine for what you want to do. For Instance

2GB Corsair, or Crucial Ram
Nvidia Quadro or ATI FireGL Vid Card
Intel E6600
A LARGE hard drive. Like a 500GB Seagate (projects take up a lot of space)

Just a thought. I work in Engineering in the AF so I know what these machines (CAD and GIS) wise need. I also know that depending on the media you are working with you want a pretty decent system for photoshop, moviemaker, and things of that nature.

Take a hard look at the software that you are going to be using and the siz of the projects that you will be doing. Then go from there. I could be way off my mark if you are not doing anything CAD, GIS, or multimedia related.

[nightsky]

glc, thanks for the KVM switch illustration.
What is an OEM Asus mobo? Are OEM Asus mobo as good as retail?

Optical - Lite-On retail DVD burner with SATA power connections only, does not work w/ATX Power connetors is it compatible with Antec Sonata's Power Supply?

Is there any reason to choose LINKSYS KVM2KIT Integrated KVM Switch - Retail $37.
over IOGEAR GCS62 2-Port PS/2 KVM switch with built-in cables - Retail $18? Is one built better than the other?

[glc]

Buy only retail motherboards, OEM may not come with all needed accessories..

The Sonata power supply has SATA connectors, if you need more, standard 4 pin to SATA adapters are available. The P5LD2 is a 945P chipset, it has one native IDE channel and it works fine, just get an IDE burner. SATA is better for hard drives though.

No idea, I stick with the Linksys because it was the first one like that with integral cables and it works.

[nightsky]

Thanks glc. Is core2duo e6600 for$$235 with the Asus P5LD2 945P chipset over kill ?
Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13GHz $196.
Core 2 Duo E6320 1.86GHz $173.
Core 2 Duo E4400 2.0GHz $145.
Pentium D 925 3.0GHz LGA $86.
Pentium 4 631 3.0GHz LGA $71.
Intel Xeon 5110 1.6GHz Socket $223.
What do you think for the $ and my needs which runs coolest and is the better choice? Also, which ram would go w/the cpu of choice. I am in the process of ordering parts. As for the Antec Sonata II I found some negative reviews regarding the Power Supply, what is your experience? Thanks again

[glc]

I would go with the E6600, E6420, or E6320, with that pricing you essentially get what you pay for, the ONLY difference is actual processor speed. They all have 4mb cache and run at the same 1066 FSB. Corsair Value Select DDR2-667 is the best ram choice with any of those 3 processors and that motherboard. The Sonata power supply has had some issues, but it *IS* an Antec that meets ATX 2.0 specs and it has an excellent warranty. Antec's RMA procedures if needed are relatively easy.

Make sure the P5LD2 is R2.0, if not, there's no C2D support.

[nightsky]

Just looking for video card and looking at different cases. Hard to find one case w/all features I want.

[nightsky]

Confused about specification requirements I should be looking for based on mother board compatability and photographic image quality? Is AGP, as well as, PCI Express X16 compatable w/ Asus P5LD2 R2.0? Or is AGP equivalent to PCI Express X1?

SAPPHIRE 100192L Radeon X1050 256MB 128-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card,
SAPPHIRE 194L Radeon X1650 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card it has 12 pixel Pipelines instead of 4.

Is Segate Baracuda SATA 250GB oem good for $70., do I have to have a retail version of this product? - Retail, and was recommended in another NewBuild Post. What do you think glc?

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by nightsky ... Is Segate Baracuda SATA 250GB oem good for $70., do I have to have a retail version of this product? - Retail, and was recommended in another NewBuild Post. What do you think glc?

The 320 Gb is currently $80 with a $5 coupon (PPALBCUDA) and free shipping. That puts it in your hands for $75. An extra 70 Gb.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by nightsky Confused about specification requirements I should be looking for based on mother board compatability and photographic image quality? Is AGP, as well as, PCI Express 16 compatable w/ Asus P5LD2 R2.0?

That motherboard does not support AGP video cards. It supports PCI Express 16 video cards.

Originally Posted by nightsky Or is AGP equivalent to PCI Express X1?

The two slots are totally different. AGP slots are obsolete and PCI Express 1 slots are more for expansion cards like sound cards and NICs. For that motherboard you should be looking for a PCI Express 16 video card.

Originally Posted by nightsky Is Segate Baracuda SATA 250GB oem good for $70.

Yes.

Originally Posted by nightsky do I have to have a retail version of this product?

No, OEM is fine.

Cricket

[nightsky]

Thanks Thus far is my new build P5ld2 r2.0 lga, Core2Duo E6600, Saphire ATI 194L,Corsair VS 2GB DDR@ 677, Seagate SATA 350gb, Lite-On 18x DVD+- Burner IDE, still looking at cases.
Do I need an internal floppy in this new build? Remember I have my old rig that has two floppys in it.

[nightsky]

Quik Question: Is the Antec Performance One P150 White Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case's 430-Watt ATX12V v2.2 Power Supply - compatible with Asus P5LD2 R2.0 mother supply? Is this a case you would recommend? Also looking a Super LanBoy Aluminum Case. Iam partial to Aluminum and white or black. The bay mount arrangement facing out. What are your thoughts on cooling for these cases?

[flanzig1]

Since your old rig has floppy drives in it, keep 1 around just in case a need arises. I have a spare floppy drive with a long data cable that I will hook up on the bottom of the case if I need a floppy.
The PSU with the Antec case is compatable.
The Antec case should be OK for cooling but if the Lanboy your looking at is a cube type case, they can have problems cooling with a lot of extra stuff installed in them.

[nightsky]

Missed the rebate on Sapphire ATI 194L video card and am glad because customer reviews report this card runs hot? If i have to spend a few more$ to get a video card that is know to run cool I would prefer this.

Can't decide on a case. Mainly because I would like a silver aluminum case and all the name brands recommended here can't be had for less than $100 with PSU + Shipping. Anyone ever buy an MWave case or CoolMax? Shipping cost are a Bummer..

[nightsky]

Will X700PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM work w/ P5LD2 R2.0 which is DDR2 based? Price is right if it's compatible? Under $40.

Also what case are you using flanzig1, cricket and company?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by nightsky Will X700PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM work w/ P5LD2 R2.0 which is DDR2 based? Price is right if it's compatible? Under $40.

Yes, it'll work. Doesn't matter if a video card has one type of memory while the motherboard has a different type of memory...the two work independent from each other so compatibility isn't an issue, you just have to be sure the motherboard has the right slot and support for it.

Originally Posted by nightsky Also what case are you using flanzig1, cricket and company?

All my cases are over 5 years old. I have 3 old Antec cases, a very old Chenbro case and a old Inwin case.

Cricket

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by nightsky ... Also what case are you using flanzig1, cricket and company?

Silver (mostly):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE

Mine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119104

[nightsky]

You think MSI NX7300LE-TD128EH GeForce 7300LE 128MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 fits
Asus P5LD2 R 2.0? Video card has a large heat sink... Otherwise for the $ I think its a good card for photo editing - Photoshop, Adobe suite, Quirk Xpress????
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127273

PSU ? If i do not get a case that comes a PSU which power supply should I get? Thanks

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by nightsky PSU ? If i do not get a case that comes a PSU which power supply should I get? Thanks

Go with a ATX 2.x PSU and pick from a PSU from the "Good" list:

What Power Supply should I get? How many Watts? Who made it? Guide Inside

[nightsky]

1. GIGABYTE Triton 180 Silver 0.7 mm SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811233018
l

2. KINGWIN SK-523S Silver Aluminum front bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case -
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811170023


3. COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-SKN2-GP Black / Silver Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119104

4. COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1 Black Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119094

5. Rosewill R6AR6-SL 0.8mm SECC 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811147045

All are around same price and tought nice HD disk organization. Hard decision.

[LeftyAce]

Entirely up to you....lots of fans will mean higher noise but cooler temperatures. Kind of depends on your operating environment and your priorities.

Just pick one that you like the look of!

[minsonngo]

Cases are basically up to you to pick. Everyone has different tastes.

As long as it takes ATX motherboards you are fine. The Cooler Masters are nicely built cases.

[nightsky]

OK... well I am completely nuts now and need to go with the least expensive options left to me. My environment is home, space limited, hot and dusty for Texas.
I can get a Super LanBoy for $39. w/o PSU and shipping. I looked through the case specs and can't find the required PSU opening size. Anyone know what size PSU fits? What is the difference between Smart Power 2.0 and 2.2?
Or the Centurion 534 for $49... Should I move my PC case psychosis to the Case forum?

[minsonngo]

The Super Lanboy takes any ATX PSU.

Not sure what the difference is between the Smart Power 2.0 and 2.2 but... any ATX 2.x PSU will work for newer systems. I would imagine the 2.2 version more recent than the 2.0 version.

[XenaWP]

An ATX P/S should fit in any ATX case.

Note that you might have to flip the P/S upside down for it to mount. Had to do that with my PCP&C into the Centurion.

[nightsky]

Falling asleep, went with Centurion 534, E-Power ZU-550W PSU w/2 80mm fans intake exhaust... so hope I don't have any upside down installing Following are components I woundup with:

2. 
   
   1. Cooler Master Centurion 534 RC534 SKN2-GP Black/Silver Aluminum & Messh bezel/ SECC Chasis ATX Mid Tower 49.99 +15.99 shp New Egg
      
   2. E-Power ZU-550W RT 54.99 NewEgg
      
   3. Asus P5LD2 R 2.0 Intel945 Chipset 84.53 +4.75 shp Mwave
      
   4. Intel Duo2 Core Conroe E6600 2.4 GB 775 socket 232.00 Shp Free NewEgg
      
   5. Corsair Value Select 2GB Kit 83.46 +4.75 Shp Mwave
      
   6. Seagate Barracuda 320 SATA OEM 79.99 Shp Free NewEgg
   7. DVD BURN LITE-ON LH-20A1P-186 BL Retail 30.99 NewEgg
      
   8. VGA MSI NX7300LE- 128MB 40.99 NewEgg
      
   9. Mitsumi Floppy /white 7.90 Shp FreeMwave
      
   10. Mitsumi Floppy Cold Grey OEM 5.99 NewEgg
       
   11. Round Ide Cable 2.99 Newegg